All on 4
PUBLISHED ON 
29/11/24

All-on-4 vs Dentures—Which is Right for You?

Dr Amit has more than 15 years of experience and he is the only dentist in Australia to hold a PG Diploma in Implant Therapy from the prestigious European Association of Osseointegration.

When it comes to replacing teeth, many of our patients are curious: what’s the scoop on All-on-4 vs dentures? 

Both options can bring back your smile and get you back to enjoying life, but there are some key differences that can impact your comfort, lifestyle, and oral health. 

In this article, we’ll explore the perks and considerations of each, helping you confidently choose the option that suits your needs, goals, and budget.

Remember, the team at Great Alpine Dental is here to guide you every step of the way! Please reach out with any questions — we’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your smile.

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Dental Implants vs dentures—which is more affordable?

Dentures are generally more affordable upfront than All-on-4 implants

They offer a lower-cost solution for tooth replacement, especially if you need to replace an entire arch of teeth. However, over time, the costs of adjustments, new dentures, and adhesives can add up.

You and your dentist make the ideal team to discover the best solution for your smile, and an in-person consultation is the key to finding what works for you.

In the meantime, read on for an overview of the benefits of All-on-4 vs dentures, plus a detailed comparison of how each denture option stacks up against All-on-4. 

Let’s take the first steps towards your bright, beautiful new smile!

What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is a groundbreaking approach to dental implants that offers a lasting solution for replacing an entire arch of teeth (either upper, lower, or full mouth). 

At Great Alpine Dental, the all-on-4 procedure involves surgically placing four titanium implants into the jawbone, which then act as anchors for a full set of prosthetic teeth. The unique placement of the implants allows them to support a full arch, even for patients with some bone loss.

All-on-4 dental implants may come with a higher initial cost because of the surgery and custom-designed prosthetic teeth, but for most patients, they’re an investment in their future, with plenty of benefits:

  • Lasting solution: The implants are fixed, meaning they don't need to be removed for cleaning or maintenance
  • Immediate results: In many cases, temporary prosthetic teeth can be attached on the same day as the surgery, providing instant results
  • Natural look and feel: The prosthetic teeth are designed to feel and function like natural teeth.

If All-on-4 isn’t the right fit for you—and it isn’t for everybody—dentures are still a fantastic option! 

In fact, today’s dentures are more comfortable, natural-looking, and customisable than ever before. They can restore your smile, boost your confidence, and help you get back to smiling again!

Plus, with modern advances, dentures are designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, offering flexibility and convenience, often without the need for surgery.

What exactly are dentures?

Dentures are custom-made, often easily removable replacements for missing teeth, designed to restore your smile and boost your confidence.

There are several types of dentures available at Great Alpine Dental. 

Each type offers its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors such as budget, comfort, long-term goals, and oral health condition. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine the best option for your needs.

Partial dentures

A fantastic solution for filling in the gaps left by missing teeth while keeping your natural ones intact. They’re easily removable and securely held in place with metal clasps that attach to your existing teeth.

Implant-supported dentures

Anchored directly to dental implants in your jawbone, offering a rock-solid and long-lasting solution. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures stay put without needing suction or messy adhesives.

Overdentures (snap-on)

Are removable and "snap" securely onto implants or existing teeth. The implants serve as anchors, giving you stability and confidence, while still allowing the flexibility to remove them whenever you want.

Hybrid dentures (fixed removable)

Combine the best of both worlds: dental implants and dentures. They’re permanently fixed to the implants, offering the look and function of natural teeth. Unlike removable dentures, hybrid dentures stay securely in place and can’t be taken out by the patient.

Temporary dentures (immediate dentures)

Are placed immediately after tooth extraction. They allow the patient to have teeth while the gums heal.

Custom dentures

Custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly, offering a more natural look and a precise fit. Crafted from premium materials, they provide superior comfort and durability compared to standard options.

All on 4 vs dentures at a glance 

All-on-4 offers a stable solution that looks and feels like natural teeth, while dentures provide a more affordable, often removable option. 

All on 4 Dentures
Cost Higher—at least initially Lower—at least initially
Comfort & Function High comfort and stability
Provide the same functionality as natural teeth
Will never slip or irritate your gums.
An expert fit by an experienced dentist is a MUST
Poor fit can lead to sore spots or rubbing
Adjustments are often necessary to maintain a good fit over time.
Look Look and feel just like real teeth
Zero movement while eating or speaking
Can sometimes look less natural
May shift when talking or speaking
Health Benefits
Implants act like natural tooth roots
Helps maintain facial structure
Don’t engage the jawbone
May contribute to changes in facial appearance over time.
Maintenance & Durability Extremely long-lasting
Prosthetic teeth may need occasional replacement over time
Maintenance similar to caring for natural teeth
Shorter lifespan
May need to be replaced after several years of use
Most need to be removed for daily cleaning and soaked overnight
Ideal Candidate Ideal for patients who:
Have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both arches
Want a stable, lifelike solution
Are in good overall health with sufficient bone density—although this isn’t always the case
Prefer a long-term, low-maintenance option.
Ideal for patients who:
Prefer a non-surgical, removable option
Are looking for a more affordable, short-term solution
Have already experienced significant bone loss, OR
Are not ideal candidates for implants
Want a less invasive treatment with a quicker recovery time.

Comparison: All on 4 vs different denture types 

Truth is, All-on-4 dental implants offer a more advanced and lasting solution to tooth replacement compared to traditional dentures and even other forms of dental prosthetics like hybrid, snap-on, or implant-supported dentures. 

But that doesn’t mean All on 4 is your only—or even the best—option for you. 

Here’s how each type of denture stacks up against All-on-4 implants:

Comfort Stability Maintenance Cost
All-on-4 No discomfort as teeth are fixed No movement as teeth are anchored and non-removable Cared for like natural teeth Highest initial cost, but last longer = better long-term investment
Traditional May shift & cause discomfort, especially if poorly fitted Rely on suction and adhesives = prone to slipping Need to be removed for cleaning daily Much more affordable upfront
Partial May feel bulky, metal clasps may cause discomfort Are removable and can sometimes shift Need to be removed for cleaning daily Less expensive upfront
Implant-
Supported
Greater comfort over all other denture types Though highly stable, are designed to be removable Need to be removed for cleaning daily Involves surgery and implant-placement costs
Overdentures (Snap-On) May feel discomfort due to daily removal and reattaching Secure fit with slight movement Need to be removed for cleaning daily Generally less expensive than All on 4, more expensive than traditional dentures
Hybrid Improved comfort over removable denture types Highly stable, as they are fixed to implants Typically require professional removal for cleaning Typically less expensive than All on 4, more expensive than traditional dentures
Immediate Quick, temporary solution. May cause discomfort as gums heal May need adjustmenting over time as gums change shape Need to be removed for cleaning Temporary, affordable option
Custom Better comfort over removable denture types Though better fitting, are still removable Need regular removal and cleaning Less expensive upfront

In the end, the choice between All-on-4 dental implants and dentures comes down to your personal needs, lifestyle, and budget. 

Although All-on-4 requires a bigger upfront investment, it delivers a hassle-free solution that looks and feels just like natural teeth—ideal for anyone seeking a high-quality, long-term option.

If you're looking for something less invasive or more budget-friendly, traditional or implant-supported dentures are fantastic alternatives. 

Either way, there’s a perfect solution out there for you! Each treatment offers unique benefits, so having a thorough consultation is key to finding the one that suits you best.

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Looking for long-term teeth replacement solutions?

Download our Dental Implant Price Guide for more information about implants price, procedure and payment options at Great Alpine Dental.

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